Quercus Robur - English Oak

Quercus robur, commonly known as English Oak, is probably the best-loved British native tree. Its spreading, rugged shape, massive trunk, and distinctive lobed leaves have become a symbol of the British nation, with its seed, the acorn, serving as a logo for the National Trust. Long-lived and highly valued for wildlife conservation, English Oak supports over 400 different species of insect, making it an essential part of the UK’s natural heritage.

Thriving on heavy clay soils but adaptable to lighter soils that retain moisture, English Oak performs well even in exposed and windy sites. It is a versatile tree suitable for woodland, parkland, and as a specimen or commemorative tree. Historically, English Oak timber has been prized for shipbuilding, furniture, and construction, while its bark, acorns, and other parts have had traditional uses in tanning, dyeing, and medicine.

This is the size and type we sell:

Quercus robur English Oak 20–40cm Cell Grown

Quercus robur English Oak 30–50cm 1+0

Quercus robur English Oak 40–60cm 1u1

Quercus robur English Oak 50–80cm 1+0

Quercus robur English Oak 20–40cm 1u1

Professionally grown and suitable for woodland creation, specimen planting, and long-term landscape projects.

Features & Benefits

Iconic native British oak with high conservation value

Massive trunk and spreading crown for parkland and woodland

Distinctive lobed leaves turn brown in autumn

Tolerates exposed and windy sites

Produces acorns in autumn, an important wildlife food source

Long-lived tree (up to 1,000 years in ideal conditions)

Supports 400+ insect species, providing essential habitat for wildlife

Applications

Woodland and forest creation schemes

Parkland and estate planting

Large gardens and landscape projects

Specimen and commemorative tree planting

Conservation and biodiversity projects

Height & Spread (Approximate)

After 10 years: 4m height x 3m spread

After 20 years: 9m height x 5m spread

Growth assumes suitable site conditions.

Botanical Name | Quercus robur

Common Name | English Oak

Plant Type | Deciduous tree

Growth Rate | Moderate

Mature Height | Up to 30m+ at maturity

Mature Spread | Up to 20m+ at maturity

Soil Type | Prefers heavy clay; tolerates lighter soils which do not dry out

Aspect | Full sun to partial shade

Hardiness | Fully hardy in the UK; tolerates exposed sites

Plant Size & Type | 20–40cm Cell Grown; 30–50cm 1+0; 40–60cm 1u1; 50–80cm 1+0; 20–40cm 1u1

Maintenance | Generally not pruned; tidy damaged branches to a clean cut as required

Wildlife Value | Supports 400+ insect species; acorns eaten by jays and small mammals; provides nesting habitat for birds; hollow trunks offer shelter for wildlife